It’s no secret that the worst-case scenario of wheel detachment on an HGV can be a serious injury or even a fatality. The numbers that illustrate this point speak for themselves: a wheel that comes loose from an HGV on a motorway at 56mph can reach speeds of up to 90mph before potentially colliding with another vehicle. “If that wheel hits an oncoming vehicle, that is a severe impact with around 10 tonnes of force,” explains Chris Coghill (pictured), a technician and IRTE member. “If it does make an impact, it could potentially bounce in the air and then hit another vehicle, creating a domino effect.”
The consequences of wheel loss were highlighted in an IRTE document released in 2020, called ‘Wheel Security: An IRTE/RHA Best Practice Guide’ (download at www.tinyurl.com/bddzpycc). It referred to findings from Transport Research Laboratory in 2006, which estimated the typical annual frequency of wheel fixing problems in the UK: between 150 and 400 wheel detachments; between 10 and 27 resulting in injury accidents; and between three and seven fatal accidents.
LOCK TO THE SYSTEM
To combat wheel detachment, Coghill invented a security system called CogLock, which can indicate when a wheel nut comes loose, lock it in place and streamline maintenance. Coghill is a qualified technician with more than 15 years’ industry experience working across the board as workshop controller, service manager, depot manager and fleet engineer. “I used to investigate wheel loss as part of my day job before working at CogLock – and there is no design flaw with wheel nuts; the root cause is almost always down to human error,” he explains. “These issues can include scenarios where wheel nuts have not been tightened up correctly or there has been a mechanical defect that has been overlooked.
“When a vehicle goes in for routine maintenance, the technician should remove all the ancillary devices from the wheel nut and check them, but some of them will cut corners,” Coghill explains. “CogLock removes the need for any ancillary device to be placed over the wheel nut so that the technicians can check the wheel nuts for tightness.”
CogLock comes with visual indicators that alert vehicle operators and drivers to any loosening of wheel nuts, which should be picked up in regular vehicle checks. Then, the device engages to lock the wheel nut in place, ensuring the wheel remains securely attached under various driving conditions.
“The product has an indicator in the middle that is flushed through the end of the bowl when it’s tight,” Coghill continues. “As the wheel nut turns, the pin in the centre pops out and it locks the wheel nut in place.”
PROGRESS TO BE MADE
Currently, CogLock is undergoing a research and development phase – and Coghill is interested in hearing from operators that are interested in equipping the device on their vehicles. “We’re looking for feedback from operators over a two-month trial period. We intend to use this feedback to release fit for purpose product in 2025.”
As part of the trial, the operators will receive the devices and training information for drivers and their primary maintenance provider and/or primary tyre supplier. In addition, any vehicle fitted with CogLocks will also be issued with a door decal with a QR code, which will provide operating and repair instructions to any driver or technician who has not yet received training on the product. CogLock is tested and certified for reliability and safety, and holds a two-year warranty.
BOX: IRTE MEMBERSHIP
Coghill joined the IRTE six years ago to advance his career in the industry. “Being in the IRTE shows employers and customers that you are a high calibre technician,” he reasons. "Throughout the years, the IRTE membership has been an invaluable resource for keeping me informed and up to date with developments in the wider industry.”
IRTE membership has been invaluable to the development of CogLock, says Coghill. “At the early development stages of CogLock, I referred to the IRTE website for publications surrounding best practice guides on wheel loss and wheel security,” he recalls. “These documents helped to advance my knowledge of these issues.”
